Help choosing ammo please.

BC Mike

BC Mike

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Just picked up a Mossberg 500 with pistol grip only. Never used a shotgun before and will probably fire only a few slugs and a few shotshells before filing it at the back of the safe for just occasional rotation. What should I buy that won't beat the bejasus out of me? Are there lighter loads I can get? Don't laugh, I'm only used to handguns:)
Thanks,
Mike
 
If you want to shoot something light, look for a clay load, like winchester AA or those federal/winchester 100-round bulk packs (if you wanna shoot that much). The winchester AA handicap or similar will be as low as you can go.

If you want something that'll rattle your teeth a little, try some 3" slugs.

What you're looking for on a box of shotshells that will help you guide your decision is the velocity and oz. of shot. The more of either, the harder it'll kick. Often this info is combined in a relative number called dram or dr. eq on the box. The higher the number, the harder it'll hit ya.

The numbers have a very narrow range. If memory serves, the dr. eq. on a box of winchester heavy field load (bird shot, #4, #2 etc) is 3 1/4, and the dr. eq on a box of winchester AA xtra-lite target load is 2 3/4 to give you an idea.

There is also Mag and Max designations for dr. eq. I assume Mag is greater than Max, but someone will correct if there is an error...
 
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When you fire it don't be macho and try and fire it one handed just because it has a pistol grip. When you fire it , if right handed push with your right hand thats on the pistol grip and pull with the left hand thats on the fore wood. What you are doing is making your right arm into a shoulder stock, sort of.You can even sight down the barrel using this method but don't try it on the first shot.
 
Without knowing your intended purpose it is difficult to offer an opinion on choice of ammo. Regardless of purpose, get a stock. Pistol grip shotguns are all but useless..

TDC
 
TDC said:
Without knowing your intended purpose it is difficult to offer an opinion on choice of ammo. Regardless of purpose, get a stock. Pistol grip shotguns are all but useless..

TDC
Click to expand...

I'll get a stock when I can and my purpose is just to experience using the shotgun for fun at the range. Won't use it often, don't care if I can hit the broadside etc. Got other guns for that. Definitely will not be doing any one handed wonder stuff. I just wasn't sure if there was a lighter shotgun load than full on. Good advice about the clay load and so on. Will probably have to try some slugs maybe after I get a stock. Are shoulder stocks usually a stocked item at any of our sponsored dealers for something like the 500?
Thanks,
Mike
 
BC Mike said:
Are shoulder stocks usually a stocked item at any of our sponsored dealers for something like the 500?
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

yes, usually when you get a mossberg they will give you the stock, and the pistol grip as an option.
My 18.5" mossy came with both.
 
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Because I already have the (M500) shotgun WITHOUT the stock, are they available as a singular stocked item at any shops you know of?
 
SIR has them listed (not sure about actual inventory)


sirmailorder. ca/show_prod.php?product_id=102357&cat_id=10&subcat_id=106&PHPSESSID=d417dff67d4d12615ee77e09fd515a45

sirmailorder. ca/show_prod.php?product_id=102377&cat_id=10&subcat_id=106&PHPSESSID=d417dff67d4d12615ee77e09fd515a45
 
I shot mine for the first time yesterday. I have a collapsable stock on mine that has a pistol grip. I fired 5 3" magnum slugs plus 50 rounds of birdshot. One of the slugs was shot from the hip to try just the pistol grip. It shot fine but you sure take a beating on you hand. They do make reduced recoil loads that are supposed to make a big difference and I will be trying some out soon. Less recoil is easier on the body but my importantly it is easier to get back on target.
 
BC Mike said:
I'll get a stock when I can and my purpose is just to experience using the shotgun for fun at the range. Won't use it often, don't care if I can hit the broadside etc. Got other guns for that. Definitely will not be doing any one handed wonder stuff. I just wasn't sure if there was a lighter shotgun load than full on. Good advice about the clay load and so on. Will probably have to try some slugs maybe after I get a stock. Are shoulder stocks usually a stocked item at any of our sponsored dealers for something like the 500?
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

I'm little late on the return. Others have already answered the questions. Pistol grip only shotguns aren't a lot of fun. They really do beat the crap out of your hand with any significant quantity of shooting. Feel free to blast away, just don't worry if you decide to stop after a few rounds. I'm curious how you ended up with a pistol grip shotgun. Most shotguns that come with pistol grip usually come with a standard stock as well.

TDC
 
TDC said:
I'm little late on the return. Others have already answered the questions. Pistol grip only shotguns aren't a lot of fun. They really do beat the crap out of your hand with any significant quantity of shooting. Feel free to blast away, just don't worry if you decide to stop after a few rounds. I'm curious how you ended up with a pistol grip shotgun. Most shotguns that come with pistol grip usually come with a standard stock as well.

TDC
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Been wanting one for a while just for fun and couldn't justify paying more than a couple of hundred for something shot a few times and then filed for emerg etc. One showed up in EE for 200 so I grabbed it.
 
Mike,

I see. Are you in the market for a stock?? I take it you've got a mossberg 500?? If you are, I might know a buddy who's looking to sell a new Speed feed stock off his 500.

TDC
 
When shooting a pistol gripped shotgun,dont shoot from the hip, but bring it up to eye level. Pull back on the pistol grip and push forward on the forend (like your trying to "stretch" the gun). This will cause it to rotate down and back on recoil instead of smashing into your face.
 
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